detailed
Americanadjective
-
having many details.
a detailed problem.
- Synonyms:
- complicated, complex, involved
-
thorough in the treatment of details; minute.
a detailed report.
- Synonyms:
- comprehensive, thorough, exhaustive
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detailed
Explanation
Use the adjective detailed when you're talking about something that's full of specific points or facts. A detailed weather report includes temperature, cloud cover, and the possibility of rain. Something that's detailed is focused on the fine points or small aspects — a detailed portrait of your grandmother includes every wisp of hair and subtle shade of skin. Detailed explanations take some time, because the person doing the explaining isn't leaving any detail out. The literal Old French meaning of the noun detail is "a cutting in pieces," and it's used to mean "small piece or quantity."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He also faced criticism from his rivals for failing to offer detailed housing and healthcare policies.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Other high-end manufacturers such as Bentley, McLaren and Ferrari also offer detailed customisation.
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2025
It's like how a skilled driving coach wouldn't just shout "left" or "right," but instead offer detailed guidance that fosters incremental improvements and deeper understanding.
From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2024
Comfortable and stylish, we found the headphones offer detailed, bass-rich sound.
From The Verge • Sep. 11, 2021
These ideas are, or ought to be, common property; and it has been impracticable to trace them to their sources and offer detailed acknowledgment.
From Problems of Conduct by Drake, Durant
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
